2024 NFL Mock Draft 7.0: Post-NFL Free Agency Week 3 Edition Picks 1-32

Zack Cook
Host · Writer
32. Kansas City Chiefs - Nate Wiggins (CB)
After moving on from L'Jarius Sneed via trade, the Kansas City Chiefs shore up their secondary with Nate Wiggins. Whether the Chiefs decide on a wide receiver or defensive back, there's value to be had with the last pick of the first round.
1. Chicago Bears via Carolina Panthers - Caleb Williams (QB)
Selecting Caleb Williams seems highly likely for the Chicago Bears to begin the 2024 NFL Draft. Building a robust defense alongside a quarterback on a rookie deal is often considered a prime strategy for success in the current NFL environment, a principle the Bears are set to follow here.
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2. Washington Commanders - Jayden Daniels (QB)
Up until a short while ago, the Washington Commanders were anticipated to select Drake Maye with the second overall pick. Nonetheless, recent shifts in predictions now favor Jayden Daniels (-145) as the more likely choice for the Commanders. Though Maye is still in the running (+165), it's clear that the Commanders find Daniels' extensive range of skills particularly appealing.
3. New England Patriots - Drake Maye (QB)
If Caleb Williams and Jayden Daniels are selected as the top two picks in the 2024 NFL Draft, it's hard to imagine the New England Patriots passing up the opportunity to pick Drake Maye. After a less-than-successful tenure with Mac Jones, the Patriots are on the hunt for a franchise quarterback. There's been a lot of negative press surrounding Maye dropping, but we're still very high on this being the direction New England takes at third overall.
4. Arizona Cardinals - Marvin Harrison Jr. (WR)
Considering their significant investment in Kyler Murray, it would be wise for the Cardinals to consider selecting a top-tier wide receiver such as Marvin Harrison Jr. Enhancing their offensive arsenal appears to be an especially fitting choice among the different strategies available to them. Will they consider moving down for a haul from a team looking for a quarterback?
5. Los Angeles Chargers - Malik Nabers (WR)
The offseason for the Los Angeles Chargers has been captivating. Facing considerable salary cap challenges, they've seen key players leave, including wide receivers Keenan Allen and Mike Williams. Rumors suggest the Chargers could look to trade down to acquire more picks, possibly with a team such as Minnesota. In the meantime, they choose to pick dynamic wide receiver Malik Nabers in an effort to mitigate the impact of those departures.
6. New York Giants - J.J. McCarthy (QB)
With the continued buzz revolving around Michigan quarterback J.J. McCarthy, it seems rather unlikely he will slip past sixth overall. Although the New York Giants have other needs on their roster, there's a buzz about them opting for a quarterback here.
7. Tennessee Titans - Joe Alt (OL)
Considering how the first round has played out, it would be prudent for the Tennessee Titans to focus on protecting their young quarterback, particularly after signing Calvin Ridley in free agency. If Joe Alt is still on the board by the time the Titans are up to pick, they should quickly secure him.
8. Atlanta Falcons - Dallas Turner (EDGE)
Under the leadership of new head coach Raheem Morris and equipped with an abundance of offensive skill players, the Atlanta Falcons are pivoting to bolster their defensive lineup. Selecting Dallas Turner from Alabama with their top ten pick would greatly improve their pass rush, marking a strategic move for the Falcons.
9. Chicago Bears - Olu Fashanu (OL)
Holding two picks in the top 10, the Chicago Bears need to focus on strengthening their offensive line, especially with the strong likelihood they choose Caleb Williams first overall. Olu Fashanu emerges as an excellent option to fulfill this requirement. Additionally, the acquisition of wide receiver Keenan Allen by the Bears highlights their likely strategy for addressing this area.
10. New York Jets - Rome Odunze (WR)
The New York Jets have had a strong offseason and done a solid job addressing key needs to bolster their Super Bowl odds in 2024. With their 2024 first-round pick, they address another need and add a premiere wideout in Rome Odunze.
11. Minnesota Vikings - Terrion Arnold (DB)
Determining whether J.J. McCarthy will remain on the board after the top 10 picks is challenging. With the recent buzz surrounding him, we expect he won't be around at this juncture. The Vikings have that draft capital necessary to trade up, but that remains to be seen.
12. Denver Broncos - Bo Nix (QB)
Forecasting where Bo Nix will land in the draft is still up in the air. While he's considered a first-round talent by some, others see him as a selection for Day 2. Given the Denver Broncos' evident need for a quarterback, Nix's qualities could be particularly attractive, especially if they match Sean Payton's criteria.
13. Las Vegas Raiders - Tyler Guyton (OL)
To reinforce their core identity, the Las Vegas Raiders need to concentrate on bolstering their physical attributes in the trenches. Tyler Guyton brings to the table several commendable traits likely to catch the eye of the Raiders' brass, making him a strong candidate for the team in this range.
14. New Orleans Saints - Brian Thomas Jr. (WR)
Following the departure of Michael Thomas from the New Orleans Saints, the team is in search of a new dynamic playmaker for their wide receiver corps to play alongside Chris Olave. Brian Thomas Jr. steps in to fill this gap as an additional downfield threat.
15. Indianapolis Colts - Brock Bowers (TE)
With Brock Bowers slipping in the first round, the Indianapolis Colts swipe him up as a new target for Anthony Richardson in the middle of the first round. Bowers brings a pro skillset and can be a difference maker immediately.
16. Seattle Seahawks - Jackson Powers-Johnson (C)
Originally, there was speculation that the Seattle Seahawks might consider drafting J.J. McCarthy if he was available. However, with McCarthy already off the board, the Seahawks' decision-makers choose to strengthen their offensive line by selecting Jackson Powers-Johnson, regarded as the top center in this draft class from Oregon.
17. Jacksonville Jaguars - Quinyon Mitchell (CB)
Throughout the season, it became evident that the Jacksonville Jaguars desperately needed to bolster their secondary. Quinyon Mitchell rises to the occasion, proving to be an incredibly valuable pick in the first round, particularly after displaying his significant skills at the combine.
18. Cincinnati Bengals - Amarius Mims (OL)
To ensure franchise quarterback Joe Burrow remains upright and to boost their chances of making another Super Bowl run, the Cincinnati Bengals need to focus on strengthening their offensive line. Amarius Mims offers a vital component previously missing from the Bengals' lineup.
19. Los Angeles Rams - Taliese Fuaga (OL)
It's essential to recognize that Matthew Stafford's tenure as an elite NFL quarterback likely has limited prime years left. To leverage his remaining ones, the Los Angeles Rams must focus on protecting him with a robust offensive line. Among various strategies, selecting an offensive lineman clearly emerges as a viable option for the Rams to consider with their top draft pick.
20. Pittsburgh Steelers - JC Latham (OL)
The leadership of the Pittsburgh Steelers brass was notably present at Alabama's Pro Day, underscoring their intent to strengthen their offensive line. JC Latham emerges as a suitable candidate to address this need.
21. Miami Dolphins - Troy Fautanu (OL)
Ensuring Tua Tagovailoa's safety is a top priority for the Miami Dolphins. Troy Fautanu presents himself as an attractive first-round choice for the Dolphins, squarely meeting this definite need.
22. Philadelphia Eagles - Jordan Morgan (OL)
After Jason Kelce's retirement, the Philadelphia Eagles are looking to inject youth into their offensive line. Jordan Morgan is tapped to fill this newly emerged need in Philadelphia, stepping into a vital position.
23. Minnesota Vikings (via Houston Texans via Cleveland Browns) - Laiatu Latu (EDGE)
The Minnesota Vikings are confronted with clear shortcomings on both their offensive and defensive units. There's talk about the possibility of leveraging this newly obtained pick to climb higher in the draft order. However, until any concrete decisions are made, selecting Laiatu Latu to enhance their defense appears to be a sensible decision.
24. Dallas Cowboys - Graham Barton (OT)
With Tyron Smith leaving, the Dallas Cowboys are in need of further support for their offensive line. Graham Barton stands out as the ideal candidate to fill this crucial gap for the team.
25. Green Bay Packers - Byron Murphy II (DL)
For the Green Bay Packers to rise as a top contender in the NFC, enhancing their defense is essential. Byron Murphy II brings fresh energy to the Packers' defensive lineup, bolstering their immediate lineup and future potential.
26. Tampa Bay Buccaneers - Cooper DeJean (CB)
In their playoff run last season, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers identified the urgent need to strengthen their secondary. Consequently, securing Iowa cornerback Cooper DeJean to tackle this concern in the later segment of the first round makes sense.
27. Arizona Cardinals (via Houston Texans) - Edgerrin Cooper (LB)
After selecting a playmaker with their first selection in Round 1, the Cardinals pivot to bolstering their defense by selecting Edgerrin Cooper with their second pick of the round. Given the various remaining needs on offense and defense, a quick team turnaround seems improbable.
28. Buffalo Bills - Troy Franklin (WR)
Even with their involvement in free agency and securing multiple wide receivers, the Buffalo Bills are still in need of a transformative playmaker, a role Troy Franklin is well-suited to assume at this point of the first round.
29. Detroit Lions - Kool-Aid McKinstry (CB)
Although an injury prevented Kool-Aid McKinstry from participating in combine testing, his considerable skill is unmistakable. With the Detroit Lions looking to bolster their secondary, McKinstry emerges as a perfect fit for their late first-round pick.
30. Baltimore Ravens - Adonai Mitchell (WR)
Enhancing Lamar Jackson's arsenal of offensive weapons could provide significant benefits for the Baltimore Ravens. Adding a versatile talent like Adonai Mitchell gives them an extra edge for the playoffs. Mitchell's stock increased notably after his performance at the NFL Scouting Combine.
31. San Francisco 49ers - Chop Robinson (DL)
Chop Robinson turned heads as a standout prospect at the 2024 NFL Draft Scouting Combine, emerging as an ideal fit for the San Francisco 49ers. Despite minor concerns about his size, Robinson's outstanding abilities have overshadowed any hesitations.
32. Kansas City Chiefs - Nate Wiggins (CB)
After moving on from L'Jarius Sneed via trade, the Kansas City Chiefs shore up their secondary with Nate Wiggins. Whether the Chiefs decide on a wide receiver or defensive back, there's value to be had with the last pick of the first round.
1. Chicago Bears via Carolina Panthers - Caleb Williams (QB)
Selecting Caleb Williams seems highly likely for the Chicago Bears to begin the 2024 NFL Draft. Building a robust defense alongside a quarterback on a rookie deal is often considered a prime strategy for success in the current NFL environment, a principle the Bears are set to follow here.
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